There are extensive threads on this over at photomacrography.net in the "equipment" subforum. Some of the users helped to improve it. I, too, consider it for my work. From what I have read it seems to work fine but has a certain learning curve concerning the use of its interface. If it really delivers what the rumours promise, then the price is a steal compared to the sophisticated actuators oder linear translation stages.

If you are only using macro lenses, or other objectives, for your work, the StackShot should work well if it has been designed properly. My only concern is how much play there may be in the slide bushings. The z-axis stage that I use has precision instrument bearings in the slides. I much prefer to hold the camera body and optics solidly fixed and move only the specimen. I don't see how this unit could be used in conjunction with a microscope for stacking.

Its designed with a typical tripod mount for a camera; but you could also use it as a specimen stage to raise/lower the specimen, with a right-angle adapter. I am currently using a manual precision XYZ micrometer also configured with a home-made right angle stage. Would be nice to automate the process rather than having to sit very quietly for 5-10 minutes, trying not to transmit too much motion to the setup, in order to get a suitable stack.

> to automate the process rather than having to sit> very quietly for 5-10 minutes, trying not to> transmit too much motion to the setup, in order to> get a suitable stack.

Exactly the reason why I want something like that. I would not mind releasing the shutter separately (via Capture Camera Control from the PC), but I want to avoid touching the setup - anything may happen, especially when working with high magnifications. Although Zerenestacker has a very sophisticated alignment function that can deal even with severe rotations, any technical solution that makes life easier is welcome :).

I bought that stackshot with USB connection. AND, it can be used now with Zerene stacker (although you need the professional edition)Unfortunately my camera Nikon D200 still needs a trigger cable so I`m waiting for it.

Christian Auer Wrote:-------------------------------------------------------> I bought that stackshot with USB connection. AND,> it can be used now with Zerene stacker (although> you need the professional edition)> Unfortunately my camera Nikon D200 still needs a> trigger cable so I`m waiting for it.> > But I`m more than excited about that new system!

So ZS has already provided the upgrade - that's great! However, I am still waiting for my Stackshot as it obviously got stuck somewhere due to Xmas traffic and the adverse weather conditions at the end of the year here in Europe.

you are right !. You cannot see a difference. The only difference is that the stacking procedure during photography is done by the stepper motor. For the stacking software this does not make any difference. The is no improvement visible in the picture. Its only a bit more comfortable for the photographer as you have not to adjust manually.

I love the fergusonite you've posted! Some questions about your use of the StackShot rail:

Do you use it to move the specimen up in regards to the M420 optics, or have you devised some means to move the M420's head?

I would guess it is the former, rather than the latter. If you examine the picture of the fergusonite carefully, you will see that the flares that occur from direct reflections into the camera will trend down and left on the right side of the picture. That is expected from the geometry of the M420's setup. But you will see, that these flares trend down and left also on the left side of the picture, but with a slightly different angle (you will have to look at such flares that could develop freely on all sides, and are not clipped by any sharp (i.e.: “in focus”) objects). There are a number of explanations for such behavior, but for me the most likely is that your setup of the StackShot is slightly off the optical axis of the M420. Mind you, we are talking micrometers here! If I am right with my assumption of your setup, a little bit of “tweaking” will bring you closer still to a “perfect” picture! Like Harry said: you are almost there! Congrats!

One other thing: it would be interesting to compare the composed images of your stack as you do them and one where you omit every second image. I believe that you are slightly overdoing it with the number of shots you are taking, which, as I explained on another thread, could hurt the images quality. But of course it is tempting to make more images with the added comfort of the StackShot rail! :)

You have an excellent eye Branko, congratz! That`s the most important in the whole subject.You`re absolutely correct I move the specimen and not the scope. I rebuilt my rail a bit so that I can use it that way.

I know that I must make major improvements in my light technique. Right now I shot already sets for the next 9 minerals but afterwards I will change my light, test others and build such a small studio like Harald suggested.Another problem right now is the fact that I should clean the sensor of my camera. Unfortunately I can`t find someone next to my home who "dares" to do it. Sending in to the Nikon supplier will last 3-4 weeks and I really don`t want to wait that long.The fergusonite pic is just a small sequence out of a larger pic (with more xtls), this one was picked out near of the right upper corner.

Stacking was made by Deep stacking(!) by the way, not Pyramid. I prefer this one as it tends to be smoother and its easier to rework with photoshop.

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